VTTA Projects
Our projects support and train Veterans transitioning back to civilian life from military service, and are staffed entirely by volunteers. Our projects honor American heroes who have served our country. All donations are used to purchase supplies and to cover fees and expenses.
Project 1: Abraham Lincoln Hearse Replica, Springfield IL
Our first project honors President Abraham Lincoln by recreating his original hearse that was destroyed by fire on February 9th, 1887. Considered the most accurate recreation existing today of the actual hearse, measurements and details were carefully developed by scrutinizing the only known photograph of that hearse, (shown in the first photo below).
It is used in many events throughout the USA, with future plans for funerals of notable dignitaries.
It took 3 years to build, weighs 6000 pounds, was built entirely by volunteer combat Veterans, and cost over $50K in donated funds to cover materials. It was built as close to the original as possible, and strives for authenticity down to the smallest detail, including real gold leaf.
Construction (and decorative trim) was done by The Blue Ox Millworks, and real gold leaf by Chuck Ellsworth, both of Eureka, CA. Assembly was completed in Tombstone, AZ by combat Veteran Jack Feather. Design and finish work were completed at The Staab Funeral Home in Springfield, IL, where it now spends most of its time.
Projects 2 & 3: Veterans Memorial, Humboldt County, CA
This memorial honors Humboldt County Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Located in the Humboldt County Airport terminal in Northern California, three years of design and construction was facilitated by local Veterans groups, merchants and craftspeople. The completed first phase of this memorial honors those Veterans who died in WWII. The upcoming second phase of this memorial will honor those who died in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Photos show the completed first phase and proposed design for the second phase.
Project 4: Middle Eastern Conflicts Memorial, Rockport, TX
This project honors our returning Veterans from the Middle Eastern conflicts, some of who may questioning their role in our Country’s history. The design elements of this Memorial are meant to show appreciation for that place in history:
- The pentagonal base in black granite represents the traditional ramparts of fortress defense & solidarity of purpose. It will host an array of inscriptions and our six Military Service Emblems.
- The 3 sided polished stainless tetrahedron obelisk is a symbolic sword. It embodies the respect and gratitude for our soldiers, their families, diplomats, and independent contractors who served our Country in a broad array of missions throughout the Middle East.
- A gold globe and lightning bolt symbolize the impending storms requiring courage and strength, and signifies the energy within us to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
The design concept is the brainchild of Chuck Ellsworth, Chairman of the VTTA, with assistance from Combat Veterans P.J. Staab and Jack Feather. Marian Brady Design completed the Architectural Rendering & promotional material.
Project 5: The Sandbox Memorial, Sierra Vista, AZ
Located near the Fort Huachuca Army Base, this project honors the Soldiers, Families, Diplomatic Corp and Independent Contractors who served our Country in the Middle East conflicts (aka: The Sandbox) during the past 2 decades.
Vietnam combat veteran Jack Feather from Tombstone, AZ is the lead manager of the project. Artist Tim Trask of St. David, AZ, a Vietnam Veteran who served as a Combat Hospital Medic on Guam, is behind the vision and the concept for this memorial. VTTA is coordinating the project among volunteers in Arizona, Illinois and California.
Project 6: Higgins Boat Preservation, Seward Nebraska
The sixth project, preserving a Higgins boat found in Lake Shasta during the recent drought in California when water levels dropped to record levels exposing relics on the lake floor. The craft was then shipped to Eureka, CA for restoration by Vietnam combat Veteran Eric Hollenbeck owner of Blue Ox Millworks, then shipped to its home in Seward, Nebraska. The Higgins boat was a controversial undertaking during WWII when the Navy department stonewalled any project not designed internally, but political pressure forced the Navy to approve civilian contractors. Because of this project a special investigation into Navy Department corruption was launched by Harry S Truman which resulted in many members being dismissed.
Project 7: T-6 Trainer Plane Restoration
Restored for its current owner, this aircraft, called the Humboldt Honey, placed first in class at the 2020 Reno air races.
